Rob Goodspeed's blog

“… Tripp was asked to speak about the campus environment before BAM – a separate group from todayís BAMN – began its efforts in the late 1960s. BAMís protests of the University led to the creation of programs designed to increse racial diversity. As a student, Tripp was not alone in his efforts to promote the goals of the ASU, which included hiring more black coaches and other faculty.

“Many people supported this endeavor ó it was not a singular isolated brain-trust, but many people wanted to have improvement. I was the instrument to have it take place,” Tripp said. He added that the demographics of the supporters included men and women of all races. …

The Michigan Daily printed publications from Tripp under the name “Richard X” in a time where many opposed the paperís role in the movement.

“The Daily defended our right to speak, defended our right to write,” Tripp said. He added that it provided an open forum for the issues, and that “the Daily was the one who got me attention from people who were black, white, graduate students and others.”

Tripp reiterated the fact that he was not able to act alone in his campaign. “Remember this ó Richard Tripp didnít type. That meant that other people had to type (the letters) for him,” he said. … “